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BOB REEDER, Chapel Hill, spoke in support of the schools. He <br /> stated that now is a good time to build a school because the interest <br /> rates are low. This will also help the economy. If schools are not <br /> built now, prisons will be built in 15 years. He asked that the Board <br /> do it in May and do it for more than 66 million. He asked that every be brought up to specification. y <br /> p p He supports 12 month schools. <br /> GEORGE KINGMAN indicated he does not want to pay taxes but the cost <br /> of education is one that needs to be confronted. Scrimping education <br /> g on education <br /> will mean more funds on social programs. He pled es as a retired person <br /> g p <br /> on a limited income that he will support the bond issue. <br /> MIKE BROWN, Orange County Schools, feels the figures are what they <br /> should be but asked if people can afford a bond referendum. He wants <br /> the money spent wisely. There is disparity between the two systems. <br /> They both have honest-to-goodness needs. The County does not have the <br /> programs that are offered in Chapel Hill. The needs are there. He <br /> wants both to get what they need. He doesn't know if May is the right <br /> time. There are a lot of businesses cutting back. He would support 66 <br /> million. He asked if these figures are where they need to be. He <br /> recognizes the need for facilities for the students but stated that the <br /> real process takes place in the classroom between the student and the <br /> teacher. <br /> MARY BOBBITT-COOKE, member of the Orange County School Board, <br /> stated that the dollar numbers are not based on numbers that are <br /> realistic but exaggerated. There are counties that are building <br /> excellent schools for much less money. The committee did not deal with <br /> other creative ways than brick and mortar. Year round schools were not <br /> considered as a more creative way. She questions if people can afford <br /> this bond issue. The university is downsizing because of the state's <br /> shortfall and there are layoffs in the Triangle Park area. She asked <br /> if the 1990's will mirror the 1980 's as far as growth. She feels the <br /> county taxpayers will ask these questions. She is concerned that the <br /> Board of County Commissioners took out the technology package. The <br /> districts recognize each others need. She will support a bond package <br /> that will include technology and real figures for all students. <br /> BILL DORSETT stated that he opposes this bond as proposed. He would <br /> support doing this through sales taxes. <br /> MAX KENNEDY stated that the bond package is in deep trouble in both <br /> ends of the County. There are people out there who will not support <br /> this bond package because there are a lot of people who are not <br /> insulated against economic insecurity. He believes that any bond is <br /> going to be in serious trouble. The people will be voting against <br /> higher taxes and not against education. The referendum will stand a <br /> better chance in May than November. The growth in northern Orange <br /> County will not catch up with Chapel Hill because of the inadequate <br /> supply of water. <br /> ADJOURNMENT <br /> With no further comments, the public hearing was closed. Chair <br /> Carey adjourned the meeting at 11:03 p.m. The next regular meeting will <br />